BIKE TO WORK DAY BREAKFAST SET FOR FRIDAY

May 16, 2016 - As part of national Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to give bike commuting a try.

On their way to work, residents are invited to stop at Headwaters West for the City’s Bike to Work Day breakfast from 6:30 to 8 a.m. During the breakfast, cyclists can enjoy free coffee, bagels and fruit courtesy of Parkview Health.

“Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need and enjoy the tremendous amenities we have in Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m encouraged by the interest we’re seeing in biking and trails in our community. The unique quality of life in our City is one of the reasons we’re experiencing positive momentum and investments to move Fort Wayne forward.”

According to the League of American Bicyclists, there are many benefits to bike commuting, including:

Saving money. The average annual operating expense of a bicycle is $308, versus more than $8,000 for a car.

Improving health. A study of nearly 2,400 adults found that those who biked to work were fitter, leaner, less likely to be obese and had better triglyceride levels, blood pressure and insulin levels than those who didn’t have an active commute.

Reducing the carbon footprint. When bicycling is substituted for short car trips, 3.6 pounds of pollutants per mile are saved from entering the atmosphere.

Practical tips for planning an enjoyable and safe ride to work can be found online at: www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/bike.

In addition to the Bike to Work Day Breakfast, numerous other events celebrating bikes, art, music and theater are planned throughout May. Check out www.KickstartFortWayne.com for a complete listing of all the events.